Even more dangerously for the Republican challenger, journalists have recalled that a year ago Romney called for the Government agency for emergencies, FEMA, to be privatised.

This is all powerful ammunition for a battle that is at the heart of the campaign: Is government too big or too small?

Hurricane Sandy would seem to boost the President's central narrative that some things in life are so dramatic - such as natural disasters and emergency healthcare - that government is vital.

Obama receives updates on the ongoing response to Hurricane Sandy. Credit: The White House flickr

So Obama is doubly likely to "win" the hurricane. He achieves the valuable publicity and scores with the over-arching argument.

Some right-wing commentators have suggested the opposite. They have claimed because millions of Americans are suffering they will feel even more angry with the Government and will therefore vote for Romney. I disagree with that. It ignores the simple fact that Americans rally to the flag in adversity.

President Obama may have been handed a route to victory. I have always believed that President Obama is one of the luckiest politicians.

His route from Hawaii via Indonesia to Chicago, then to the Senate and the White House, required an astonishing run of good fortune.

If he wins re-election because of a once-in-a-generation storm a week before polling - well, that just confirms my suspicion.